Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Sparks Outcry with Al-Aqsa Mosque Visit Amid Tensions
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 12
Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Sparks Outcry with Al-Aqsa Mosque Visit Amid Tensions
53 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 12
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem under heavy police protection after its reopening.
The visit, accompanied by settlers, came amid ongoing restrictions on Palestinian worshippers and drew widespread condemnation from Arab, Islamic, and international bodies.
Ben-Gvir’s actions highlight rising tensions over control of the holy site, risking further unrest and straining relations with Jordan, the site’s formal custodian.
Is the war with Iran being used as a cover to change Al-Aqsa's identity?
What happens if extremists succeed in performing a ritual sacrifice inside the Al-Aqsa compound?
Eid prayers were banned at Al-Aqsa for the first time since 1967. What's next?
How will the proposed 150-person limit at Al-Aqsa permanently alter worship in Jerusalem?
Why are key nations silent as the Al-Aqsa status quo agreement is dismantled?
Can restricting holy site access be justified as a necessary security measure during wartime?
Ben-Gvir's April 2026 Al-Aqsa Visit Sparks Regional Outrage and Threatens Jerusalem's Fragile Status Quo
Overview
On April 12, 2026, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during an unprecedented 40-day closure to Muslim worshippers, breaching the fragile status quo that prohibits Jewish prayer there. His provocative statements asserting Jewish ownership and calls to expand Jewish access intensified regional tensions, prompting strong condemnations from Jordan, Palestinian leaders, and the Arab League. These actions are part of a broader far-right agenda aiming to alter the site's religious control, fueling fears of escalating violence amid heavy militarization and ongoing Israeli policies restricting Muslim worship and displacing Palestinians. Diplomatic efforts by regional and international actors are underway to prevent a wider conflict and preserve stability.